Thousand Oaks, CA – March 28, 2011 – In celebration of the eight disciplines competing at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, The EQUUS Foundation (in partnership with the United States Equestrian Federation) established the America’s Favorite Equestrian program. On March 31, 2011 two Para-Dressage athletes will be eliminated and the top six Para-Dressage riders will move on to round two. It is up to every person to vote for his or her favorite Para-Equestrian.
These are the eight equestrians listed presently with their rider number in parenthesis.
Jennifer Baker (49)
Jonathan Wentz (50)
Laura Goldman (51)
Mary Jordan (52)
Rebecca Hart (53)
Robin Brueckmann (54)
Susan Treabess (55)
Wendy Fryke (56)
Here’s How It Works
Equestrians and supporters should visit http://www.equusfoundation.org/vote where they will be greeted with an easy to navigate voting template. On the right hand side voters may view ways to vote through mobile texting and mail. To vote for America’s Favorite Equestrian voters will give a $5 contribution, which is a direct donation to THE EQUUS FOUNDATION that will be used to support horse-related charitable causes.
Round 1: Voting ends March 31, 2011. In each featured discipline, the six equestrians with the most votes will continue to Round 2.
Round 2: Voting ends May 31, 2011. In each featured discipline, the five equestrians with the most votes will continue to Round 3.
Round 3: Voting ends on July 31, 2011. In each featured discipline, the four equestrians with the most votes will continue to Round 4.
Round 4: Voting ends on September 30, 2011. In each featured discipline, the three equestrians with the most votes will continue to Round 5, the final round.
Round 5: Voting ends on October 31, 2011. America’s Favorite Equestrians will be selected based on the athletes with the highest number of votes recorded in each of the eight disciplines.
In November 2011 America’s Favorite Equestrian will be announced at the National Horse Show at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY. The EQUUS Foundation has pledged to award a minimum of $10,000 in grants in support of these eight international equestrian disciplines. The discipline generating the greatest number of votes will receive an additional $5,000 grant award subject to raising sufficient funds. Donations raised over $15,000 will be used to support horse-related charitable causes.
Hurry and vote before time runs out!
About the EQUUS FOUNDATION:
The mission of The EQUUS Foundation is to raise public awareness of the value of the horse in society through education and the award of grants to charitable organizations that promote the positive use of the horse for the benefit of the general public, improve the quality of life of horses, contribute to the welfare of the participants in the equestrian sport, and elevate the equestrian sport and profession as a whole. For more information please visit www.EQUUSFOUNDATION.org.
About United States Para-Equestrian Association:
The USPEA is a network of riders, judges, national federation board members, and equestrian enthusiasts. The association gives athletes the ability to get involved and expand their knowledge and experience in the Para-Equestrian sport. The USPEA encourages para-athletes to participate in all disciplines under the para-equestrian umbrella.
The USPEA is a recognized affiliate of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) which serves as the National Governing Body for the equestrian sport. This relationship between the USPEA and USEF is to encourage para-equestrian competitors, leisure riders, coaches, fans and enthusiasts to network and get involved with the entire equestrian sport.
Ultimately the goal of the USPEA is to foster growth in the para-equestrian discipline. From growth in the number of participants to growth as a team, and growth in the experience and knowledge of all involved. From local horse shows to international Olympic Games, the USPEA will provide para-equestrians the knowledge of what they need to succeed. The USPEA connects with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI), the United States Dressage Federation (USDF), and USEF which provides Para-Equestrians the top equestrian resources.
In June 2010, the USPEA earned its 501 (c)(3) status which has encouraged supporters to help supply funding to the Para-Equestrian Team as a recognized affiliate of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF).
For more information about the USPEA please visit www.USPEA.org or contact USPEA President: Hope Hand by e-mail: Wheeler966@aol.com or by phone: (610) 356-6481.
Media Contact: Hope Hand
3940 Verde Vista Drive
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
E-mail: Wheeler966@aol.com
(610) 356-6481